Later that night, a body singed beyond recognition had been found in the daimyo's room. Wailing filled the royal palace as servants and a few nobles mourned the loss of their leader. After the daimyo was pronounced dead, the elders of the noble clans had discussions about her succession. There were factions for and those against the installation of her uncle, General Yuji as the next daimyo. Since Namiko had no heirs and was also Yoichi's only child, the group of nobles that did not want Yuji had no choice but to agree for him to be regent. The official statement of the new leader of the Water country would be announced the following day.
"General Miyazaki, your niece was pronounced dead and the advisory council have made you regent," said the lieutenant who had just arrived in the General's tent within the heishi barracks. "On to more pressing issues, two navy ships were found burnt and we lost Majors Tanaka and Watanabe. What are we to do about the attack?"
"Tell me Lt. Yamada, I hear that this was the work of a single keisatsu. How is that even possible? Are my heishi truly this pathetic?" asked Yuji stroking his long stubble. He had a lean build and appeared to be in his mid-fifties. What struck him out was his right eye patch and royal blue hair whose shade resembled that of Namiko's.
Lt. Yamada had a bald head, a few muscles and looked like he was in his thirties. "No sir, this man was truly formidable and he used the secret route only known by upper heishi… a few that witnessed his swordsmanship couldn't help but be reminded of our former General."
Nakamura, huh? "Why come back now when he left of his own volition? And of all the treasonous things he could do, joining those Earth scum, is the absolute worst!" said Yuji.
"Indeed it is, and if I may ask sir… what is our next course of action?"
Yoichi's wish to make peace with Doi was a mere pipe dream. Now his daughter is dead because she shared his ideals. However, whatever Nakamura's reasons may have been, this is the perfect opportunity for me to finally seize Yamaguchi Port. I'll go down in history as the Water daimyo who took action against those scum, Yuji thought, spacing out in the candlelight. "Liaise with the Majors and assemble all of our men. When I give the order, we'll set sail for the mainland. We're going to war!"
"Understood sir… I'll be off then."
Lt. Yamada left the general's tent and went to meet with the Majors.
"Hmm, the keisatsu may prove to be a challenge if they have Nakamura on their side. Which means that for us to win this war, we'll also need foreign assistance. Lord Kurayami once helped me to take out Yoichi, so I'm sure he wouldn't mind providing me with a few ninjas to assassinate the Earth daimyo. It's decided then, I shall set sail for the Shadow region tomorrow morning."
The next day before dawn, General Yuji and Lt. Yamada ferried to Kurai village on one of their smaller boats. They arrived at their destination later that evening and were welcomed by ninjas who escorted them to the palace. Seated on the throne was Queen Rina with Kagami and Daisuke on either side of her. An infant with short strands of jet black hair, slept peacefully on Kagami's arms.
"Good evening your majesty and Lord Kurayami," said Yuji, bowing together with Yamada. "Apologies for coming unannounced, the former Water daimyo was killed yesterday. I am seeking your support when I wage war against the Earth country. I will pay you handsomely for the assassination of Ishigami Doi."
Kagami and his two students whispered for a few moments before he finally answered, "General Yuji or should I say daimyo, I am sorry for your loss. Then on to business, my student Daisuke has accepted to lead a team of assassins that will carry out your request. And as for our payment, we shall receive it once the task has been accomplished. When do you plan on attacking the Earth?"
"Thank you very much for your support," said Yuji, bowing for a second time. "I need about a week for my army to reach the Earth capital and I plan on taking Yamaguchi Port in two days' time from now."
"It's settled then, the Shadows shall attack from the east while you come from the south. May the Darkness be with us…" said Kagami.
"Hail to the Darkness!" Daisuke and the general replied in unison.
Lt. Yamada tried to follow suit, he brought his palms together and joined in. When the meeting was completed, the heishi said their goodbyes to the Shadows and returned to the Water country to prepare for the battle ahead.
"Lord Kagami, if I may ask?" said Daisuke
"Ask away."
"Can I spare my brothers and bring them on our side?"
"If they are willing, you may and if otherwise, you know what to do."
Dark clouds gathered in the sky as the Water General and his lieutenant traversed the Firipin Sea. Bolts of white light lit up the night and the sound of thunder deafened that of the waves. A heavy downpour was on the way and Yuji affirmed this as a sign that the gods were with them. Their trip was delayed by a gale, and they arrived home just after dawn.